Seven Equestricon Events Perfect for First-Time Attendees

There will be plenty to see and so much to explore at Equestricon in 2018 in Louisville, Ky. (Eclipse Sportswire)

Equestricon is a horse racing event designed to celebrate the sport of racing with its fans and the festival offers something for everyone, but for first-time attendees the choices might be overwhelming.

Be sure to take a good look through the schedule and map out your Equestricon visit in advance because you won’t possibly be able to get to everything.

Explore the schedule in full, which shows the breadth of topics covered in the various panels and workshops on topics such as aftercare, storytelling sessions with Breeders’ Cup legends, handicapping, betting, racing photography, and racehorse ownership to name a few.

Get familiar with Equestricon’s Track Talks series, which will feature inspirational speeches and unforgettable stories from racing leaders and innovators. The kickoff Track Talk series on Monday highlights personalities in aftercare and will include speeches from a retired NFL player, a combat veteran, and some of the most recognizable faces in horse aftercare.

Do you have a question about betting or gambling that you’ve been afraid to ask or are you one-on-one help learning how to play the races or strategies to bet the Breeders' Cup? Top handicappers will be available around the clock at Equestricon to answer your questions — including advice for betting the Breeders’ Cup World Championships later that week — and all you have to do is walk up and ask!

This year racing fans can join in the excitement and drama of the Rood & Riddle Breeders’ Cup Post Position Draw, which will be held at Equestricon! All Equestricon attendees will have the opportunity to witness the draw at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville.

Meet the connections of 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify and contribute to a great cause at the same time. Among those slated (tentatively) to participate are Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, and owners WinStar Farm and Starlight Racing. As a bonus, fans will have a chance to take a photo with the trophies Justify earned for winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes! Proceeds from the autograph and photo sessions benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

First-timer? Don’t be intimidated. Equestricon is where you can be sure to find your people if you enjoy any aspect of racing. Be sure to stop in at the Sagamore Social Lounge, the Paddock Bar, or our own America’s Best Racing “Stay Lucky Lounge” to mingle over a cocktail with other racing fans and horse bettors.

Even once Equestricon ends at the Kentucky International Convention Center, it isn’t actually over. Continue the party at the Equestricon Concert on Tuesday night, October 30, when nationally acclaimed Jukebox the Ghost plays Louisville’s famed Mercury Ballroom.

Wrap up your Equestricon experience with an afternoon under the historic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs and build your bankroll for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships with help from handicappers from Twinspires and Brisnet as well as other special guests. Learn from the pros, take in a few races and enjoy a Chef’s Table buffet lunch, complimentary program, and limited-edition Equestricon merch.